Answers About CHAAG, Membership and Customs Brokerage

Find answers to common questions about the Customs House Agents Association of Ghana, membership, professional standards, customs-house-agent licensing and the services available to members.

About CHAAG

What is CHAAG?

The Customs House Agents Association of Ghana (CHAAG) is the national professional body representing licensed Customs House Agents, Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders in Ghana.

The Association promotes professionalism, ethical conduct, trade facilitation, member welfare, capacity development and constructive engagement between industry stakeholders and public institutions.

Who does CHAAG represent?

CHAAG represents eligible companies and professionals operating within Ghana customs brokerage, freight forwarding and trade-facilitation industry.

Its membership primarily comprises licensed customs house-agent companies and other approved industry participants that satisfy the Association membership requirements.

What is CHAAG motto?

CHAAG motto is Open Heart and Professionalism.

It reflects the Association commitment to openness, fairness, responsible service, professional competence and respect for members and stakeholders.

What are CHAAG core values?

CHAAG is guided by five core values:

• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Service

These values establish the standards expected of the Association leadership, employees and members.

Is CHAAG part of the Ghana Revenue Authority?

No. CHAAG is an independent professional association and is not a department of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

However, the Association engages the Customs Division of GRA and other public institutions on matters affecting customs house agents, trade facilitation, regulatory compliance and the movement of goods.

Membership

Who can apply for CHAAG membership?

Membership is generally open to eligible customs house-agent companies, customs brokers, freight-forwarding firms and other organisations operating within the industry.

Applicants must meet the category-specific requirements established by the CHAAG Constitution, membership rules and applicable Ghanaian laws. Admission remains subject to verification and approval by the appropriate CHAAG authority.

Does joining CHAAG automatically grant a customs house-agent licence?

No. CHAAG membership does not replace a customs house-agent licence.

Licences are issued and supervised by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Applicants must satisfy GRA statutory licensing requirements independently of their membership application.

View Customs-Agent Licensing Requirements – GRA

What documents may be required for membership?

Depending on the membership category, an applicant may be asked to provide:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Company registration documents
• Valid customs house-agent or related operating licence
• Tax Clearance Certificate
• SSNIT Clearance Certificate
• Customs proficiency certificates
• Details of directors and authorised representatives
• Proof of business address
• Completed membership application form
• References or supporting recommendations
• Signed commitment to the CHAAG Code of Professional Conduct

CHAAG may request additional documents during verification.

How do I apply for membership?

Complete the CHAAG membership application form and submit the required supporting documents. The Secretariat will review the application, conduct any necessary verification and communicate the outcome.

Admission becomes effective only after approval and payment of the applicable membership fees.

Apply for Membership

Are membership fees refundable?

Application, admission and subscription fees are generally used to process applications and support Association activities. Refunds, where applicable, will be handled according to the approved CHAAG membership and financial policies.

Applicants should confirm the current fee and refund conditions before making payment.

How long does membership approval take?

Processing time depends on whether the application is complete and whether additional verification is required.

Applicants can reduce delays by submitting valid, current and clearly labelled supporting documents. The Secretariat will contact an applicant where further information is needed.

Can CHAAG reject a membership application?

Yes. An application may be declined if the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements, submits incomplete or misleading information, lacks the necessary regulatory authorisation or fails to satisfy CHAAG professional and ethical standards.

Where appropriate, the applicant may be informed of outstanding requirements or available review procedures.

Can membership be suspended or terminated?

Yes. Membership may be suspended or terminated for reasons including:

• Non-payment of approved subscriptions
• Loss or suspension of a required operating licence
• Serious professional misconduct
• Breach of the CHAAG Constitution or Code of Conduct
• Submission of false information
• Conduct that damages the reputation of the Association or profession

Any disciplinary action should follow the procedures established by CHAAG governing documents.

Member Benefits and Support

What benefits do CHAAG members receive?

Subject to their membership category, members may receive:

• Industry advocacy and representation
• Regulatory and customs updates
• Training and professional-development opportunities
• Welfare support
• Access to industry information and GRA circulars
• Participation in stakeholder consultations
• Dispute-resolution support
• Networking and international partnership opportunities
• Inclusion in the CHAAG Member Directory

Benefits may be subject to membership status and the applicable programme conditions.

Does CHAAG provide training?

Yes. CHAAG organises or facilitates seminars, workshops and professional-development programmes addressing relevant industry subjects.

Training may cover ICUMS operations, customs valuation, tariff classification, rules of origin, trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, professional ethics and emerging industry developments.

Does CHAAG provide welfare support?

CHAAG seeks to support the welfare and dignity of its members through structured programmes managed according to approved welfare policies.

Eligibility, contribution requirements and the nature of available assistance may vary. Members should contact the Secretariat for the current welfare guidelines.

Can CHAAG help resolve an industry dispute?

CHAAG may facilitate mediation, dialogue or Council-level adjudication for eligible disputes involving members.

The Association intervention does not prevent a party from using a regulator, court or another legally recognised dispute-resolution process where necessary.

How can a member update their directory information?

An authorised company representative should submit updated contact, licensing or company information to the CHAAG Secretariat.

CHAAG may request supporting documents before making material changes to a member public directory profile.

Professional Standards and Complaints

Are CHAAG members required to follow a Code of Conduct?

Yes. Members are expected to uphold the CHAAG Code of Professional Conduct and comply with all applicable laws, regulations and licence conditions.

The Code promotes integrity, competence, confidentiality, accountability, lawful practice, fair competition and respectful engagement with clients, regulators and fellow professionals.

How can I confirm whether a company is a CHAAG member?

Use the CHAAG Member Directory or contact the Secretariat for confirmation.

Membership should not be assumed solely because a company displays the CHAAG name or logo. Directory information should also not be treated as confirmation that a regulatory licence remains valid.

Search the Member Directory

How do I report misconduct involving a member?

A complaint should be submitted through CHAAG official complaints channel and should include:

• The complainant name and contact information
• The member or company concerned
• A clear description of the matter
• Relevant dates and transaction details
• Copies of supporting documents
• The resolution being requested

CHAAG will assess whether the matter falls within its authority and may request further information before proceeding.

Will complaints be treated confidentially?

CHAAG will handle complaints responsibly and limit access to information where appropriate. However, relevant details may need to be shared with the member concerned, an investigating committee, a regulator or another competent authority to ensure a fair process.

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is required by law.

Can CHAAG investigate a non-member company?

CHAAG internal disciplinary authority generally applies to its members.

Complaints concerning non-members, licensing violations, fraud or suspected criminal conduct may need to be referred to GRA, the Police, a court or another appropriate regulatory body.

Customs and Trade Information

What is the role of a customs house agent?

A licensed customs house agent acts on behalf of an importer or exporter in matters relating to the customs entry, clearance or departure of goods and conveyances.

Responsibilities may include preparing declarations, submitting documents, arranging payment of duties, advising clients on customs requirements and communicating with Customs and other border agencies.

Learn More About Customs Agents – GRA

What is ICUMS?

The Integrated Customs Management System is Ghana electronic platform for processing customs and trade transactions.

It supports activities such as declarations, document submission, risk processing, duty assessment, payment and cargo clearance. Access and authorised use are subject to GRA and system requirements.

Does CHAAG determine customs duties?

No. CHAAG does not assess or collect customs duties.

Customs duties, taxes and applicable levies are assessed and collected by the Ghana Revenue Authority under the relevant legislation, tariff classification, customs value, origin and applicable customs regime.

View Customs Tariffs and Levies – GRA

Can CHAAG classify my goods or determine the applicable duty?

CHAAG may provide general education or direct users to relevant resources, but an informal explanation does not constitute a binding customs decision.

For certainty regarding tariff classification or origin, eligible traders may use GRA advance-ruling process.

View Advance-Ruling Resources – GRA

Where can I find current customs procedures?

CHAAG Customs Updates and GRA Circulars and Notices pages provide relevant industry information. Official procedures are also available from the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Visit GRA Customs

What is an advance ruling?

An advance ruling is an official customs decision issued before the relevant transaction. It can provide greater certainty about matters such as the tariff classification or origin of goods.

Applicants must follow GRA prescribed application process and submit adequate supporting information.

Where can I find information about prohibited or restricted goods?

GRA publishes information on goods that are prohibited or require permits, certificates or approvals before importation or exportation.

View Import Prohibitions and Restrictions – GRA

View Export Prohibitions and Restrictions – GRA

Does CHAAG clear goods for importers and exporters?

CHAAG is a professional association and does not ordinarily provide commercial customs-clearance services.

Importers and exporters should engage an appropriately licensed customs house agent. The CHAAG Member Directory can help users identify member companies, but clients should conduct their own due diligence before appointing a service provider.

What should I do if an online customs notice conflicts with an official directive?

Verify the information directly with the issuing authority. Official legislation, regulations, circulars and written directives take precedence over summaries, social-media messages and third-party interpretations.

Where necessary, contact GRA or the CHAAG Secretariat before acting on uncertain information.

Events, Partnerships and Communication

Can non-members attend CHAAG events?

Some conferences, seminars and stakeholder engagements may be open to non-members, while others may be restricted to members or invited participants.

Each event announcement will state the applicable eligibility and registration requirements.

How can an organisation partner with CHAAG?

Government institutions, development organisations, training providers, trade bodies and private-sector organisations may submit a partnership proposal to the CHAAG Secretariat.

Proposals should clearly describe the organisation, proposed activity, expected benefit to members and any financial or operational commitments involved.

How can I receive CHAAG updates?

You can follow CHAAG website, subscribe to available mailing lists and monitor its official communication channels.

Members should also ensure that their email addresses and telephone numbers remain current in CHAAG records.

Still Need Assistance?

If your question has not been answered, contact the CHAAG Secretariat.

Email: info@chaag.org
Telephone: +233 50 754 8358
Address: Global Tower, 1st Floor, Community 1

Important Notice

The information provided on this page is for general guidance and does not constitute legal, customs or tax advice. Requirements may change, and users should confirm current procedures with the Ghana Revenue Authority or the appropriate issuing authority before making a legal, operational or commercial decision.